notes on art and culture
In Conversation:
Artist Wallace Chan’s “Transcendence” at the 60th Venice Biennale
Artist Wallace Chan’s “Transcendence” at the 60th Venice Biennale
By: Alison Lo | Published on: 17 June 2024
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My affection for Venice dates back to my childhood, sparked by a local café bearing its name in Hong Kong. Little did I know then that Venice was more than just a name; it was a realm of enchantment waiting to be discovered. The moment I set foot in the real Venice, long before embarking on my endeavors in contemporary art, I was captivated. Since then, the allure of showcasing my work amidst its timeless beauty has been a dream.
To have had the privilege of exhibiting in Venice three times is more than a dream come true. Venice, with its labyrinthine canals and storied history, serves as a backdrop where tradition intertwines seamlessly with the contemporary. It has always been the city of great artistic light. It is a place where the echoes of the past reverberate alongside the visions of the future, every corner I turn I encounter inspiration – and that is the magic of Venice. The Biennale itself also represents more than just a showcase of art; it embodies a convergence of cultures, ideas, and artistic expressions from around the world.
Santa Maria della Pietà, Venice ©Federico Sutera
Wallace Chan 'Transcendence' ©Federico Sutera
The theme "Foreigners Everywhere" invites us to contemplate the concept of "foreignness" in our interconnected world. All my life, I have been an outsider. It is my own doing though as I prefer not to fit into any particular boxes. In the context of my exhibition, "Transcendence," this notion takes on a profound dimension. "Transcendence" represents a journey towards spiritual enlightenment, emphasizing the interconnectedness and universal love that bind us all. It conveys the belief that nature, at its core, is inherently compassionate, and the universe operates without bias or borders.
At the heart of "Transcendence" lies the pursuit of peace and harmony, urging the audience to recognize the inherent interconnectedness of all beings. In this realization, the idea of being a "foreigner" dissolves, replaced by an understanding that no one is truly a stranger. Instead, we share a fundamental connection, encapsulating the essence of 'you in me' and 'me in you.'
My artistic journey is deeply rooted in my Chinese heritage and spiritual upbringing, yet it extends far beyond the confines of one cultural perspective. From the outset, I've embraced a multifaceted approach, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of both Eastern and Western traditions. This fusion of diverse influences serves as the cornerstone of my creative process, fueling a continuous exploration of the interaction between cultures and philosophies.
I find immense satisfaction in navigating the intellectual challenges inherent in blending ancient wisdom with futuristic visions, as well as in exploring the intricate dynamics of cultural exchange. At times, the labels attributed to my work by different audiences — deemed "Eastern" by Westerners and "Western" by Easterners — have evoked a sense of disorientation as I grapple with questions of identity. However, I've come to realize that my artistic purpose transcends such categorizations.
For me, art is a means of transcending the limitations of time, culture, and nationality. It is a vehicle for promoting global unity and communicating a universal message that resonates with people from all walks of life. In embracing this broader vision, I strive to create sculptures that serve as conduits for cross-cultural dialogue and understanding, fostering connections that transcend geographical boundaries and cultural divides.
In my 2022 exhibition, "TOTEM," the fragmented presentation of a towering sculpture sprawled across the floor invited viewers to ponder the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural world. However, in the intervening years, both personal reflections and external circumstances have spurred a significant evolution in my artistic expression.
This transition from chaos to tranquility in my art mirrors not only my personal journey but also resonates with the broader human experience. Through my sculptures, I endeavor to encapsulate the universal trajectory towards harmony, offering glimpses of solace and reassurance in an ever-changing world.
In facing sorrows, I advocate for an approach rooted in acceptance and understanding. Rather than shying away from pain, we can confront it with courage and compassion, recognizing its role in shaping our journey. By embracing sorrow, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of our emotions, fostering empathy and resilience in the process. In acknowledging the coexistence of sorrows and joys, we discover that it is through our vulnerabilities that we find the greatest strength and the deepest connections with one another.
Elaborating on this concept, it suggests that all experiences and phenomena in the world are ultimately generated by the mind. It emphasizes the subjective nature of reality and the idea that our perceptions, thoughts, and consciousness shape our understanding of the world around us. According to this teaching, the external world is perceived through the lens of the mind, and therefore, our experiences are influenced by our mental states, beliefs, and interpretations.
In essence, the phrase underscores the connection between mind and reality, suggesting that our mental processes play a fundamental role in shaping our perception and experience of the world. It encourages introspection and mindfulness, highlighting the importance of understanding the workings of the mind in order to cultivate wisdom and insight. In that sense, our roles are never truly passive.
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